Carl W. Kenney II is an award winning columnist and novelist. He is committed to engaging readers into a meaningful discussion related to matters that impact faith and society. He grapples with pondering the impact faith has on public space while seeking to understand how public space both hinders and enhances the walk of faith.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Selecting a mayor in Durham: The political kiss

Deciding among the candidates for Durham’s next Mayor is a
tough task.

It reminds me of the time, long ago, when I found myself
trapped in making a decision regarding who to date among sisters. Both were
cute. Both had a crush on me, and both kissed me near the big oak tree in my
parent’s front yard.

I was only 13.

Decisions, decisions. What do you do when you like most of
the candidates?

To begin, I consider Farad Ali a friend. He’s the type of
guy who easily fits within my inner circle. Yeah, we could drink a beer
together, talk mess, and go to a basketball game (unless it’s UNC versus Duke.
He did play for the Tar Heels and I have my Duke credentials) and double date
at the Beyu. Yup, Ali is my Negro.

I’ve got mad respect for Pierce Freelon. I’ve been following
his music and career ever since he performed at The CenterFest Arts Festival
just before Dirty Sol, a group I was helping to promote. I didn’t care much for
him performing with his shirt off, but that’s a case of undo shade. When I see
Pierce, I think about King, my son. It’s difficult not supporting a young,
black man with all that talent, passion and vision. Did I mention I love his
parents?

I used to write for the Indy Week, the publication Steve
Schewel founded in 1983. As a journalist, it’s hard not to back a man who
introduced a progressive approach to local news. It doesn’t hurt that I
witnessed Steve maneuver tense racial hostility when he was a member of the
Durham Public School Board. That was back when protesters were sent to jail in
the presence of children during meetings and Durham was called the “black sheep”
of North Carolina.

There are others running. Traci Drinker, retired member of
the Durham Police Department, is the type of friend I’d tell my deepest
secrets. In fact, I think I have. Sylvester Williams, who returns after
numerous rejections by voters, is a minister on record for opposing members of
the LGBTIA community. He gets no love from me.

I don’t know Michael Johnson. I hear he’s a nice guy. I
purchased shoes from Shea Ramirez former store near Guess Road. Now she does
taxes and helps young people enter the modeling industry. Got to say that’s impressive
work.

This is a lineup of friends and a few I do not know. Like
those sisters who kissed me, it’s tough selecting when most candidates possess
political cuteness.

So, what will it take to get my vote?

This election is about the future. Like a relay race, Mayor
Bill Bell is passing the baton after generating massive economic growth. The
downtown economic boom, combined with changes a few blocks away on Ninth
Street, has drawn new residents with deep pockets and a desire to live near
downtown.

The growth has come with consequences. Companies like State
Employee’s Credit Union have caged the product, a term used to describe the
control of supply and demand, in North East Central Durham, Old North Durham
and the Watts-Hillandale community. People crave a home within walking distance
of the buzz downtown.

I’m looking for a mayor who can facilitate a conversation
related to offsetting massive housing cost. I’ve heard rhetoric, but no plan. I
desire an analysis regarding what happened that ponders both benefits and
shortcomings. I’m insensitive to the anti-business sentiment of groups who
blame private/public partnerships. I don’t want to hear the city is screwed up
because of the work of Bill Bell.

I hear talk about increased disparity proven by the
construction of that monster building downtown with condos selling for more than
$1 million. I’m fed up with attacks that fail to acknowledge the creation of
jobs, more taxes to the city and county, more places to eat, hotels and shops
with more options that impact tourism.

The growth comes with loads of bad news, but there is good
stuff in the shadow of all those buildings. There are more locally owned
businesses and places that attract people to Durham for more than a basketball
game at the Cameron Indoor Stadium.

I don’t need to hear Durham is worse than before. After
living downtown for more than 10 years, I can tell you that isn't true. Durham
is more vibrant with places to hear live music. People can select from a bevy
of multiple star restaurants with crime not being considered when you park your
car at night.

Now that we’re here, who can lead this discussion? Who
understands life on both sides of the tracks – the world of business incentives
and economic development, juxtaposed against the world of Lord, help me pay
these damn bills.

Who, among these wonderful candidates, is capable of
navigating conflicting political agendas? Will Durham shift into anti-business
mode before black business owners obtain an equitable piece of the pie? Will
there be adequate conversations regarding the people being pushed out of their
communities due to a plan to cage the market?

Who will I pick among these politically cute candidates?

At the end of the day, it’s not how cute one looks. It’s
substance that matters the most.

1 comment:

Nice. But who are you picking? Speaking of pickers, Lovin' Spoonful would say,

Sometimes you really dig a girl the moment you kiss her,And then you get distracted by her older sister.When in walks her father and takes you in line,And says, "Better go on home, son, and make up your mind."

And then you bet you'd better finally decide.And say yes to one and let the other one ride.There's so many changes and tears you must hide.Did you ever have to finally decide?

... so, Carl, who's the lucky girl in this case? We're looking to you for opions, too! :)

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Carl W. Kenney II

Carl was named the best serious columnist of 2011 by the North Carolina Press Association for his work with the News & Observer's community paper The Durham News and in 2016 by the Missouri Press Association for his columns in the Columbia Missourian. He is a columnist with the News & Observer and Co-Executive Producer of "God of the Oppressed" an upcoming documentary film on black liberation theology. He is a former Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri - School of Journalism and Adjunct Instructor at Duke University, the Center for Documentary Studies. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He furthered his education at Duke University and attained a Master of Divinity. He was named a Fellow in Pastoral Leadership Development at the Princeton Theological Seminary on May 14, 2005. He is a freelance writer with his commentary appearing in The Washington Post, Religious News Services,The Independent Weekly and The Durham Herald-Sun. Carl is the author of two novels: “Preacha’ Man” and the sequel “Backslide”.
He has led congregations in Missouri and North Carolina